ProMaster Home Repair & Handymanhttps://www.mastermylist.com Cincinnati's On-Time & Family-Friendly Home Repair and Remodeling Professionals - (513) 322-2914Tue, 18 Dec 2018 08:07:25 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=5.0.1https://www.mastermylist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/cropped-favicon-32x32.pngProMaster Home Repair & Handymanhttps://www.mastermylist.com 32325 Home Repairs That Make Great Gifts!https://www.mastermylist.com/home-repair/5-home-repairs-that-make-great-gifts/ https://www.mastermylist.com/home-repair/5-home-repairs-that-make-great-gifts/#respondMon, 10 Dec 2018 15:10:02 +0000https://www.mastermylist.com/?p=13275Have you ever looked around every store and still not known what to get for your husband or wife? We all have. That’s what makes giving the gift of home repair so great. You already know the things around the house that they would truly appreciate. While not everyone has thousands of dollars to spend […]

]]>Have you ever looked around every store and still not known what to get for your husband or wife? We all have. That’s what makes giving the gift of home repair so great. You already know the things around the house that they would truly appreciate. While not everyone has thousands of dollars to spend on large remodels, even small repairs and upgrades can mean a lot. Here are just a few smaller updates and home repairs that make great gifts.

Give the Gift of Home Repair! Call ProMaster at: 513-322-2914

Mount Your New TV

So you bought that 55″, 65″ or even 80″ tv. Now what? It really needs to be installed properly to be enjoyed properly. Not only will it need to be safely and securely mounted to the wall, it will also need an electrical outlet installed and wires routed. You just paid thousands of dollars for a TV, right? Why not include the installation as a part of that awesome Christmas gift?

Bathroom Vanity

An updated bathroom can really make an impact on your family’s enjoyment of your home. It can also seriously improve your home’s value. Buying a new bathroom vanity or pedestal sink can be simple enough, but installing it is often a different story. Ensuring that the plumbing is in the right place and that the vanity is mounted to the wall correctly can be a challenge. Calling upon a professional to make sure the work is done correctly can make the gift a real joy rather than a real headache.

Storage, Shelves, & Cabinets

Another one of our repairs that make great gifts is the installation of storage in various parts of your home. How many times have you wished that you could get one or even two cars (just imagine!) in your garage? Ceiling racks, bike racks, and elevated shelving can create strategic places to keep various items up and out of the way. Laundry room cabinets are another opportunity to take a simple installation and make a huge impact. Laundry rooms can be some of the most cluttered spaces in our homes, so why not create a space for everything?

Bedroom Flooring

If your spouse is anything like most people, they want their bedroom to be a comfortable place that they enjoy retiring to after a busy day. One gift that will score huge points is getting rid of that dirty old carpet and replacing it with hardwood or engineered hardwood flooring. This won’t only brighten your loved one’s holiday, but will brighten the value of your home, as well.

Painting

Having a room painted is one of our home repairs that make great gifts because it can really change the way your loved one feels about a room. This is especially true in bedrooms and bathrooms. Painting isn’t the hardest task in the world, but it can go wrong if you don’t avoid common mistakes. Having a professional perform your paint job is a great way to give the gift of home repair and eliminate the stress of doing it yourself.

5 Home Repairs That Make Great Gifts!

While these are 5 repairs that will make great gifts, they’re certainly not the only ones. What project do you plan on giving as a gift this year? Hail a ProMaster “Home Repair Hero” today! You can schedule online, use the “Reach Out” form at the bottom of this page, or call 513-322-2914.

]]>https://www.mastermylist.com/home-repair/5-home-repairs-that-make-great-gifts/feed/0repairs-that-make-great-gifts-tv-promaster-cincinnatirepairs-that-make-great-gifts-bathroom-promaster-cincinnatipainting-cincinnati-home-painter-promaster-cincinnatiWhy Give The Gift of Home Repair?https://www.mastermylist.com/home-repair/why-give-the-gift-of-home-repair/ https://www.mastermylist.com/home-repair/why-give-the-gift-of-home-repair/#respondWed, 28 Nov 2018 20:01:37 +0000https://www.mastermylist.com/?p=13271Let’s face it, not everyone is easy to shop for around the holidays. Some people seem to have everything, while others seem to want nothing in particular. That’s why giving the gift of home repair and renovation is such a great choice. Everyone wants a great looking home, but not everyone has the time or […]

Let’s face it, not everyone is easy to shop for around the holidays. Some people seem to have everything, while others seem to want nothing in particular. That’s why giving the gift of home repair and renovation is such a great choice. Everyone wants a great looking home, but not everyone has the time or skills to complete projects themselves. Additionally, busy people rarely take the time to figure out a budget for that upcoming project. Help solve their problem (and yours) by making those renovations a wonderful and thoughtful present. Here are just a few reasons that the gift of home repair makes a great Christmas gift:

Give the Gift of Home Repair! Call ProMaster at: 513-322-2914

Fits a variety of budgets

The holiday season is a time when family budgets can get pretty tight. Roughly a third of people say they will spend over $1000 on Christmas presents this year, and families as a whole will spend even more. Finding a gift that fits your budget can be rough. Giving the gift of home repair and renovation opens up a huge range of options for any budget. You can brighten up a bathroom with a new faucet, install a beautiful kitchen backsplash, or finish an entire basement. Whether you have a budget of a few hundred dollars or more than $10,000, you’re sure to satisfy that hard to please member of your family.

Includes them in the project

Just because you give your loved one a new vanity or hardwood floors for Christmas, that doesn’t mean the project must be completed by then. If you schedule an evaluation with a craftsman in December, you can schedule the work to be done later. That means you can include the recipient in the choices of tile, colors, etc. Plus, you don’t have to feel responsible for every detail. They can help choose what the final gift looks like.

A gift for the whole family

There are places in you home that are only enjoyed or used by one or two people. Bedrooms, master baths, closets, etc. Much of the home, however, is shared by everyone. Kitchen remodels, finished basements, bathroom upgrades and mounted TVs are all things that the whole family can enjoy. When you give the gift of home repair and remodeling, it can be a gift for the whole family.

It needs to be done anyway!

If we’re honest, we all have projects in our homes that our loved ones really want finished. Since money doesn’t grow on trees, giving the gift of home repair can be a great way to maximize your budget. You can communicate to your family member that you value the repair or remodel that is important to them by giving it as a gift, including them in the process, and setting a date for the work to be completed.

Give The Gift of Home Repair & Renovation

If you are interested in giving the gift of home repair this year, let ProMaster Home Repair be your Santa Claus! Simply invite one of our craftsmen for an evaluation in December, and schedule the work to be completed after the chaos of the Christmas season. We’ll give you your costs and options, and you can include your loved one in the final decisions. Our craftsmen are all multi-disciplined, meaning they can handle all of your tasks, large or small. From a new light fixture to painting to remodeling a kitchen.

Call ProMaster today at 513-322-2914, use the “Reach Out” form at the bottom of the page, or schedule a “Home Repair Hero” online!

]]>https://www.mastermylist.com/home-repair/why-give-the-gift-of-home-repair/feed/0thumbnailChristmas Light Disaster – Staying Safe This Holiday Seasonhttps://www.mastermylist.com/holiday-lights/christmas-light-disaster/ https://www.mastermylist.com/holiday-lights/christmas-light-disaster/#respondWed, 21 Nov 2018 15:25:37 +0000https://www.mastermylist.com/?p=13268Christmas is the most festive time of the year, with Christmas music playing on the radio and lights gleaming all throughout the neighborhood. That jolly feeling, however, could come at a cost if you’re not careful. Each year, more than 13,000 people go to the emergency room with holiday decorating-related injuries. Fires, electrical shock, and […]

]]>Christmas is the most festive time of the year, with Christmas music playing on the radio and lights gleaming all throughout the neighborhood. That jolly feeling, however, could come at a cost if you’re not careful. Each year, more than 13,000 people go to the emergency room with holiday decorating-related injuries. Fires, electrical shock, and especially falls from ladders; all of these are the risks that homeowners face when installing their Christmas lighting displays. Here are just a few stories of people who didn’t take every precaution possible, and ended up with a major Christmas light disaster.

If you want to take the danger out of your holiday lighting installation in Cincinnati, no problem. Just visit CincinnatiChristmasLights.com from ProMaster. We’d love to help you stay safe this year by letting our professionals handle the more dangerous aspects of holiday decorating.

Falls From Ladders

In 2017, a Littleton, Colorado man fell only six feet from a ladder while installing Christmas lights. Glen Elvenholl was taken to the emergency room after breaking his leg and dislocating his ankle. Making this Christmas light disaster a little better, however, is the fact that the firefighters stayed and finished installing his lights for him after loading him into the ambulance. While six feet doesn’t seem very high, falls from between 6 and 15 feet accounted for 25% of all fatal falls in 2013. Even a minor fall can cause major injury.

An 82 year-old man died in 2017 after falling from a ladder while installing lights along the roof of his two-story home in Ottawa, Canada. His family almost ended their Christmas decorating tradition, but decided to honor his memory by continuing the display. While it’s not uncommon for older people to injure themselves while decorating, most injuries occur between the ages of 25 and 55.

A Dunstable, MA man fell 13 feet from a ladder in December of 2016, breaking his T11 vertebrae. Fortunately a family-friend came by for a visit and found Gary Petzold, 51, shortly after his fall. As a heartwarming close to this Christmas light disaster, people from around Petzold’s town donated over $22,000 to assist him and his family during his recovery.

Electrical Shock

A Merrimack, New Hampshire man is lucky to be alive after suffering a 20,000 volt shock while hanging Christmas lights. The metal extension pole he was using to install lights touched the main power line to his home. The electricity arced from the line to the metal pole and went through his body, severely burning his feet and burning holes in his socks.

An man in Australia purchased faulty lights online, shocking himself on the exposed, 240v wiring. This Christmas light disaster could have been much worse. Electrical crews said these were the most dangerous lights they had ever seen.

Fires

A Tennessee home went up in smoke when the homeowners left their newly installed Christmas lights on overnight. Fire officials in that case encouraged people to inspect all of their lights. Even when they’re new out of the box, there could be fraying of wires or missing bulbs.

A New Jersey family placed their “Elf on a Shelf” on top of a lighting fixture. The heat from the bulb actually caught the Elf’s rear end on fire. The smoke was noticed quickly by the family and the fire didn’t spread, averting a Christmas light disaster.

Christmas Light Disaster – Staying Safe This Holiday Season

There are all sorts of injuries that can occur due to holiday decorating. Cuts, bruises, and sprains are the most common, but concussions, burns and shocks happen all-too-often as well. If you want to take the stress and danger out of decorating your home this Christmas season, let the professionals at ProMaster do the tough stuff! We’re trained to work on ladders at heights that could cause most homeowners’ knees to wobble. If you’re interested in a ProMaster installation, give us a call at 513-322-2914, or visit us at CincinnatiChristmasLights.com!

]]>https://www.mastermylist.com/holiday-lights/christmas-light-disaster/feed/0cincinnati-christmas-lights-promaster-installation-5Last-Minute Home Repairs Before Your Guests Arrivehttps://www.mastermylist.com/do-it-yourself/last-minute-home-repairs-before-guests-arrive/ https://www.mastermylist.com/do-it-yourself/last-minute-home-repairs-before-guests-arrive/#respondWed, 14 Nov 2018 15:20:26 +0000https://www.mastermylist.com/?p=13247When friends and family are headed to your home for the holidays, there are a million things you’d like to get done. In August, our honey-do lists are long and ambitious. When weeks remaining turn into days remaining, however, what you can realistically accomplish necessitates a shorter and shorter list. Didn’t get the dining room […]

]]>When friends and family are headed to your home for the holidays, there are a million things you’d like to get done. In August, our honey-do lists are long and ambitious. When weeks remaining turn into days remaining, however, what you can realistically accomplish necessitates a shorter and shorter list. Didn’t get the dining room painted or the kitchen floors refinished? No worries. There are still lots of last-minute home repairs you can complete before your guests arrive, many of them in an hour or less. These last-minute home repairs will go a long way towards making your home look its very best. Here are just a few:

Changing Cabinet Hardware

Sure, new kitchen or bath cabinets would be great, but purchasing and installing new cabinetry is expensive and time consuming. Want to give your cabinetry a fresh look without all the time and expense? Replacing your hardware is one of our simple last-minute home repairs that can really update a space. There is a wide variety of options in terms of cost and style, ensuring that you can make a choice that’s right for your home and budget. What’s more, all you need is a drill or screwdriver and about an hour for even large rooms, and you’ll be done in no time.

Replacing Faucets

Over time, your kitchen or bath faucet can really become a problem. It can drip, leak, or even cause damage and mold growth that is unhealthy for you, your family, and your guests. While almost any faucet can be rebuilt, sometimes the easiest and cheapest solution is to replace it. It may sound like a complex project, but with the right tools and as little as $40, you can pick out and install a faucet that will freshen the style of your home and take care of the leak that’s been frustrating you. Installation usually takes about an hour, and the manufacturer’s instructions should be sufficient to get you from start to finish.

(Note: Be sure to turn off the hot and cold water supply lines to your faucet or you could make the issue much worse. This may seem like an obvious step, but trust us, it’s not. Some last-minute home repairs could become last minute nightmares if the proper steps aren’t taken.)

Changing Weatherstripping

Nothing can make your home feel less cozy and warm than a cold breeze across the dining room table. Drafty windows and doors can cause your guests to get a chill and your furnace to work overtime. This is one of those last-minute home repairs that won’t be visible to your guests, but it will certainly add to their enjoyment of the holiday at your home. Doors should have weather stripping applied on both sides and across the top of the door frame. You may also wish to install a door sweep or use a draft stopper. Windows may need weather stripping along the bottom of the sash to prevent drafts. Other types of insulation, such as felt, may help fill other voids you find in your windows. This will be one of the least expensive quick repairs you can make to your home, and won’t take much time at all.

Replacing a Fan or Light Fixture

Old fans and fixtures can really make a home look outdated. This is a great last-minute home repair because these fans and fixtures come at a variety of price points and they can typically be installed in less than an hour. Whether it’s an old brass chandelier in the dining room or a wobbly old ceiling fan, you can update your home inexpensively with a new fixture here and there.

Remember, electrical work can be dangerous. If you’re planning on taking care of this interior project before the holidays, be sure to use caution. Make sure that breakers are off and that you follow all appropriate wiring diagrams from your product’s manufacturer. If you need help, don’t hesitate to call a professional home repair service like ProMaster.

Replacing Light Bulbs

This may seem like no big deal, but just making sure that all of your lamps and light fixtures have working bulbs can really brighten your home. Whether it’s a ceiling fan, chandelier, recessed lighting, or table lamp, most people have several bulbs in their home that have burned out. Simply walking through your home, making a list of the bulbs you need, and replacing the ones that are out will ensure that your guests arrive to a well lit and welcoming space. It’s also a great time to replace incandescent or fluorescent bulbs with energy-efficient LEDs.

Repairing Hardwood Scratches

Refinishing a hardwood floor can be a costly and time consuming effort. When you’re only dealing with a few scratches here and there, however, touch up kits can be a huge time and money-saver. These kits usually involve a combination of pens and wax that can be used on various colors of wood. Using these pens can make a hardwood scratch virtually invisible to those who aren’t looking for it. While results can vary, it will certainly improve the look of your wood floor for the holidays. It may even tide you over until it’s time to re-sand and stain. This is one last-minute home repair that can be very cost effective for the budget and time-crunched homeowner.

Re-Caulk Shower or Bathtub

Many people are surprised by what a new bead of caulk can do for a shower or bath. If your guest bathroom has cracking or mildewed caulk, now is a great time to replace it. Be sure to remove all previous caulking, and only use silicone, waterproof caulking in your bathroom. We have a great article on how to tackle this project, with helpful tips on how to avoid the mistakes many homeowners make.

Last-Minute Home Repairs Before Your Guests Arrive

These are just some of the last-minute home repairs you can take care of before your guests arrive. Tight on time? Don’t want to spend the days before the holidays working on your home? No problem. Just contact ProMaster Home Repair! Our multi-disciplined craftsmen can handle any of these small projects, as well as the larger ones on your list. Just use the “Reach Out” form at the bottom of this page, or call 513-322-2914!

]]>https://www.mastermylist.com/do-it-yourself/last-minute-home-repairs-before-guests-arrive/feed/0last-minute-home-repairs-hardware-promaster-cincinnatilast-minute-home-repairs-faucet-promaster-cincinnatilast-minute-home-repairs-weatherstripping-promaster-cincinnatilast-minute-home-repairs-fixture-promaster-cincinnatilast-minute-home-repairs-bulb-promaster-cincinnatilast-minute-home-repairs-wood-promaster-cincinnatilast-minute-home-repairs-caulk-promaster-cincinnatiShould I Spray or Should I Roll? Interior Painting in Cincinnatihttps://www.mastermylist.com/painting/should-i-spray-or-should-i-roll-interior-painting-in-cincinnati/ https://www.mastermylist.com/painting/should-i-spray-or-should-i-roll-interior-painting-in-cincinnati/#respondWed, 07 Nov 2018 15:59:04 +0000https://www.mastermylist.com/?p=13238We’ve all taken on a painting project and, somewhere in the middle, thought, “there has to be a better way to do this.” Questions abound for the amateur painter. Should you tape off surfaces or cut-in with just a brush and a steady hand? Should you use oil-based paint or latex? What roller nap is […]

]]>We’ve all taken on a painting project and, somewhere in the middle, thought, “there has to be a better way to do this.” Questions abound for the amateur painter. Should you tape off surfaces or cut-in with just a brush and a steady hand? Should you use oil-based paint or latex? What roller nap is best? Even professional painters have their own preferences about how a room or surface should be prepped and painted. One question we often hear is about paint sprayers. We see the pros using them on our favorite home renovation shows, and they look like a fantastic time-saver. Many wonder if the cost, prep, and clean-up associated with paint sprayers is worth the advantages that come with them. If you’re planning some interior painting in Cincinnati, and are thinking about purchasing a paint sprayer, here are a few things to consider.

Types of Paint Sprayers

Not all paint sprayers are created equal. Each has distinct advantages and disadvantages for a homeowner. Choosing the right sprayer will depend on your situation and what the goals are for your specific project.

Air Compressor Guns

Air Compressor Gun

Air compressor guns use air from an air compressor to spray paint from a hand-held reservoir cup onto a surface. Just because you have an air compressor sitting out in the garage, however, doesn’t mean this is the right choice for you. Air compressor guns don’t handle thick paints very well and may require the paint to be thinned. Additionally, overspray (the paint that goes into the air and not onto the painted surface) can be a real problem with this type of applicator. It’s not uncommon to find more paint in the air than on the painted surface. For this reason it’s not the best option for interior painting in Cincinnati.

Airless Sprayers

Airless Sprayer

Airless sprayers are the most common type used by professionals like the ProMaster craftsmen. Rather than using pressurized air, the paint itself is placed under pressure, often higher than 2000 psi. These sprayers are often used for interior applications, and though they don’t have as much overspray as air compressor guns, they will require quite a bit of prep work to keep the rest of the interior protected. They can begin around $300, though high-quality units can run well over $1000. Many models are capable of handling latex paints right out of the can without any thinning.

High-Efficiency Airless Sprayers

High-Efficiency Airless

High-efficiency airless sprayers have the same functionality as an airless sprayer, but reduce overspray and create a smoother finish. They do this by using special tips on their guns that allow for the paint to be placed under much less pressure. Both airless and high-efficiency airless sprayers use a variety of tips to create wider or more narrow spray, depending upon application. While there will still be plenty of prep work involved when using these sprayers, overspray will be cut in half. This makes a huge difference when keeping an interior clean. Cleaning airless sprayers after use, however, can be a bit of a chore.

Cup Sprayers

Cup Sprayer

Cup sprayers are the DIY-warrior’s friend, as they are light, easy to use, and don’t require a ton of clean-up. The paint is held in a cup attached to the sprayer itself, and the sprayer usually plugs into an electrical outlet. They are also affordable, with many being available for less than $100 (battery operated units can be much more expensive). Their spray patterns usually aren’t as customizable, and overspray can sometimes be an issue. While these may be useful for some smaller interior projects, tackling large-scale interior painting projects isn’t their forte.

Time

The greatest advantage paint sprayers have to offer is the time they can save you when tackling interior painting in Cincinnati. Painting a typical interior door may take half an hour or more by brush. The same door can be done in less than two minutes with an airless sprayer. Baseboards and trim can be done in a fraction of the time needed when brushing. Even the least-expensive cup sprayer can tackle a 10 foot interior wall in about five minutes. What’s more, if used properly, they will offer improved coverage, and can eliminate the need for multiple coats with a roller.

Finish

There are surfaces in your home where seeing a brush stroke here and there isn’t the worst thing in the world. There are others, however, where it’s just not acceptable. Cabinets, cabinet doors, interior doors and trim are all surfaces that need a silky smooth finish to look their best. This is where paint sprayers shine. When applied properly, sprayers can give a much smoother and even finish than brushes or rollers. They can also give your walls a smooth finish, though many people prefer the light texture offered by a roller.

Prep Work

Ahh, here it is. The downside to spraying when doing interior painting in Cincinnati.

Prep work.

The stories are true. There is an immense amount of prep necessary when spraying the interior of a home. All areas where you would normally cut in have to be taped and papered. Floors must be covered. All furniture and possessions must be draped in plastic and taped to seal. Depending on the size of your project, you could be looking at hours of prep. And that’s just the property itself. The individual doing the painting may choose to wear a painter’s coverall, and anyone in the area should utilize a respirator when spraying. Clean up on airless sprayers is an absolute necessity to keep them in working order, and that may take some time, as well.

Before spraying your interior, you should consider all of these issues and decide whether spraying is the right choice for you.

Should I Spray or Should I Roll? Interior Painting in Cincinnati

Whether you brush, roll, or spray is really up to you. Most professional painters will tell you, however, that on larger projects it is almost always faster to spray at least some of the surfaces, even with the prep time included. You may also get a better result. Many people choose to spray their ceilings, trim, doors, and baseboards while rolling their interior walls. Regardless, be sure to make the best decision for you and your project. If you do use a sprayer, be sure to follow all manufacturer’s instructions for the best result.

Let’s be honest, though, nobody likes painting. There are better ways to spend a weekend! If you want to skip the hassle of brushing, rolling, spraying, and prepping, no problem. Just contact ProMaster! Our craftsmen would love to help you make your interior space look its best. Simply use the form at the bottom of this page, or call 513-322-2914 to hail a Home Repair Hero!

]]>https://www.mastermylist.com/painting/should-i-spray-or-should-i-roll-interior-painting-in-cincinnati/feed/0interior-painting-cincinnati-air-compressor-gun-promasterinterior-painting-cincinnati-airless-sprayer-promasterinterior-painting-cincinnati-high-efficiency-airless-promasterinterior-painting-cincinnati-cup-sprayer-promasterinterior-painting-cincinnati-roller-sprayer-promasterBest (& Worst) Remodels for Resale in Cincinnati 2018https://www.mastermylist.com/consumer-education/best-remodels-cincinnati-2018/ https://www.mastermylist.com/consumer-education/best-remodels-cincinnati-2018/#respondTue, 30 Oct 2018 15:04:26 +0000https://www.mastermylist.com/?p=9793Getting the Most Out of Your Home Sale Everyone wants to get the most money possible out of their home when they sell. When we first begin thinking about selling our home, we often begin making lists of everything we think needs to be done. The reality is that there are a lot projects on […]

Everyone wants to get the most money possible out of their home when they sell. When we first begin thinking about selling our home, we often begin making lists of everything we think needs to be done. The reality is that there are a lot projects on that list that will cost considerably more than you think and return considerably less than you hope. Just because the recoup isn’t 100%, however, that doesn’t mean a project isn’t worth doing. Tackling some of these remodels (and avoiding others) could bring you a quicker sale when the sign goes in the yard. They can also make you stand out in your neighborhood when multiple homes are available.

The Cost vs. Value of Remodeling in Cincinnati

In Remodeling Magazine’s 2018 Cost vs. Value Report, data for Cincinnati, OH reveals that the average remodel recouped 58% of its cost. Some projects recoup their costs better than others; mid-range bathroom additions, for example, recouped an average of 53.9% while mid-range bathroom remodels recouped about 61.1%. Just a few years ago, those numbers were reversed. The extent, location and even timing of your remodel can affect your resale value.

To effectively determine the value of a large home improvement project, Cincinnati homeowners have a lot to consider. Owners planning to make full use of a remodeled room will get far more value out of it than someone looking to quickly “flip” a home. But unless you intend on spending the rest of your days in the same home, remodels should be partly viewed through the lens of resale value.

Just as buying a car known for its value retention is a good investment, investing in a home remodel that recoups its costs is wise. Reading a single report on the subject doesn’t equip a homeowner with perfect knowledge, but it enables them to make a more informed decision that can wind up saving them thousands of dollars. All of the following information is from Remodeling Magazine’s 2018 Cost vs. Value Report.

Does Remodeling Increase Resale Value?

Yes, but the increase is rarely in proportion to the cost of the remodel. Small repairs are typically more cost-effective. If you are planning on putting your home on the market, even the National Association of Realtors recommends that you “spend as little money as possible.” Instead, they recommend that homeowners “focus on minor and inexpensive ‘polishes’ and ‘touch-ups.'”

Here are 4 great touch-up ideas for the bathroom:

Bathroom Plumbing: Inspect and repair plumbing lines and fittings. Replace the toilet, lavatory faucet and shower head to give the bathroom a “new, clean feel” for as little as $1000.

Bathroom Walls: Repair cracks in the drywall and paint the room in a neutral color. Wall repairs along with a fresh coat of paint can cost as little as $500 and can eliminate stains or mold growth and make the room appear and smell like new.

Bath Fixtures: Matching towel racks, paper dispenser and light fixture provide a consistent and modern décor to the bathroom. High quality, attractive fixtures may often be purchased and installed for under $500.

Bathroom Tile: Replace linoleum or worn wood flooring with a neutral-colored ceramic tile. An average-sized bathroom can have tile installed for under $1,500.

Combined, making these improvements before an open house can make a world of difference. Notice that none of the above recommendations call for a full remodel and instead ensure improving the interior appeal of your home to potential buyers. Any capable do-it-yourselfer can even While the national average cost for a bathroom remodel is about $18,500, a typical bathroom update with repairs like those described above can cost as little as $3,500. Both options can help get a home sold, but one – a bathroom update – offers a much higher return on investment than the other.

Mid-range Vs. Upscale Remodels in Cincinnati

On average, mid-range remodels recouped slightly more of their costs than upscale remodels in Cincinnati. The difference is almost negligible, but given the inherent high cost of an upscale remodel, even half a percentage can represent thousands of dollars – dollars that a homeowner would no doubt prefer stay in their pocket. Bathroom remodels provide an excellent example. Upscale bathroom remodels in Cincinnati recouped only 54% of their costs while mid-range bathroom remodels brought back 61%.

The most important difference between mid-range and upscale remodels, besides cost, is the purpose behind the remodel. The reason a homeowner might be willing to pay twice as much for a remodel is because those costs are offset by the advantages and improvements to standard-of-living that a remodel can provide. Turning a child’s room into an office, for instance, may not positively affect a home’s resale value but instead simplifies the homeowner’s day -to-day and improves his or her lifestyle.

Whatever you decide as a homeowner know that money isn’t everything. Each homeowner’s situation and preferences are different; a remodel that may make sense for one won’t necessarily be a good idea for another. The important thing is to inform yourself as a homeowner and make the best decision to increase you and your family’s standard-of-living.

Let ProMaster Complete Your Remodeling Project

Once you’ve decided that a remodel is for you, why not hire an ethical and on-time craftsmen to complete it for you? For $79 you can invite a professional craftsman – not a subcontractor or salesman – to look over and evaluate your entire project or projects, providing options, ideas and costs. You don’t have to worry about the caliber of person your letting into your home; our craftsmen are extensively background-checked and drug-tested, and you’ll receive a bio, picture, and phone number to the craftsman you’ll be meeting before they ever set foot on your property.

Call (513) 322-2914 or use the “Reach Out” form below to schedule a Home Repair Hero to complete your remodel project!

]]>https://www.mastermylist.com/consumer-education/best-remodels-cincinnati-2018/feed/0best-worst-remodel-value-cincinnati-promasterComplete These Five Interior Projects Before The Holidayshttps://www.mastermylist.com/home-maintenance/complete-these-five-interior-projects-before-the-holidays/ https://www.mastermylist.com/home-maintenance/complete-these-five-interior-projects-before-the-holidays/#respondTue, 16 Oct 2018 15:14:42 +0000https://www.mastermylist.com/?p=13220One of the things everybody loves about the holiday season is getting together with friends and family. When everyone is gathering in your home, however, the thought can be a bit overwhelming. Every home shows signs of wear and tear over time, and keeping yours looking its best can be tough. Taking care of some […]

]]>One of the things everybody loves about the holiday season is getting together with friends and family. When everyone is gathering in your home, however, the thought can be a bit overwhelming. Every home shows signs of wear and tear over time, and keeping yours looking its best can be tough. Taking care of some basic interior projects before the holidays can help your home feel merry and bright.

If you don’t have the time or energy to tackle these interior projects before the holidays, no problem. Just contact ProMaster! Our craftsmen would love the opportunity to get your home looking it’s best for whomever you welcome this Thanksgiving or Christmas.

Painting

Everybody knows that a fresh coat of paint is one of the best (and cheapest) ways to put a fresh face on a tired living space. What’s more, you don’t have to repaint your entire home for it to make its best impression. Focusing on areas like your foyer, common restroom, and kitchen can brighten things up nicely. More lived-in areas like family or living rooms can be saved for another time. Christmas trees, wreaths, garlands, and other decorations in these living areas can help soften the need for a new coat of paint.

Wall Repair

The walls in our homes get abused more than we would ever think possible; whether it’s scuffs and dings from carrying items throughout the house, drywall damage from doors opened too enthusiastically, or just cracks and nail pops that occur as a home ages. Simply filling dents or scratches with drywall spackle and sanding until smooth is a simple way to prepare your wall for paint. Larger areas of concern may need an actual drywall patch, which can be a bit more involved. If you own an older home with plaster walls, taking care of cracks or peeling can be a bit more involved. Regardless, taking care of this interior project before the holidays can help get your home looking its best for you and your guests.

Replacing Light Fixtures

Taking your home from “90’s” to “now” this holiday season doesn’t mean a complete kitchen remodel or an entirely new floor. You can give your home a new just by replacing your dated lighting fixtures. Whether it’s an old brass chandelier in the dining room or a wobbly old ceiling fan, you can update your home inexpensively with a new fixture here and there.

Remember, electrical work can be dangerous. If you’re planning on taking care of this interior project before the holidays, be sure to use caution. Make sure that breakers are off and that you follow all appropriate wiring diagrams from your product’s manufacturer. If you need help, don’t hesitate to call a professional home repair service like ProMaster.

Update Bathroom Fixtures

Your common bath will get a lot of visitors over the next couple of months. You can help give it a fresh look with some new fixtures and furnishings that won’t break the bank. Most people find they can update a leaky faucet with a new one for less than $100. A new towel rack, toilet paper holder, mirror or even toilet handle can give your half bath a quick update that won’t leave people remembering your home for the wrong reasons.

Organize

Sometimes it seems like half the battle in our homes is just getting rid of the clutter. While there is certainly a time to toss stuff out or give it away, sometimes we just need to help everything find its place. This may mean putting up new shelving for your books or knick-knacks. You can add standing shelving in your unfinished basement for items stored in plastic bins. Are the kids toys ending up in the wrong places? Organize bedrooms or playrooms with cupboards and shelving to keep unwanted clutter out of your living areas.

When you have extra people in your home, it usually means you’ll need more space. What better way to create space than by putting everything in its place?

Will You Tackle These Interior Projects Before the Holidays?

While this list certainly isn’t exhaustive, it’s can be exhausting. If you don’t have the time or energy to take on your home’s interior projects before the holidays roll around, no worries. Just call ProMaster Home Repair! Our “Home Repair Heroes” love helping people make their home a better place to live. Just call 513-322-2914, or use the form at the bottom of this page to find out more.

]]>https://www.mastermylist.com/home-maintenance/complete-these-five-interior-projects-before-the-holidays/feed/0Young woman self painted wall with paint rollerYoung woman self painted wall with paint rollerlighting-installation-promaster-cincinnati-ohioLight Fixture Installation - West Chester OHCommon Painting Mistakes: Painting a Cincinnati Homehttps://www.mastermylist.com/painting/common-painting-mistakes-painting-a-cincinnati-home/ https://www.mastermylist.com/painting/common-painting-mistakes-painting-a-cincinnati-home/#respondWed, 03 Oct 2018 14:21:16 +0000https://www.mastermylist.com/?p=13211There really is nothing quite like a fresh coat of paint. Refreshing an existing color or changing it entirely can make everything look and feel like new. Painting is one of the most common DIY jobs homeowners tackle, but it can become a real nightmare if not done correctly. Here are the most common painting […]

]]>There really is nothing quite like a fresh coat of paint. Refreshing an existing color or changing it entirely can make everything look and feel like new. Painting is one of the most common DIY jobs homeowners tackle, but it can become a real nightmare if not done correctly. Here are the most common painting mistakes to avoid when painting a Cincinnati home:

Poor Prep

As with any project, how you start will help determine how you finish. That’s especially true when you’re painting a Cincinnati home. Not taking the time to prep your surface will ensure a less-than-perfect result that will likely need to be redone. Be sure to start by cleaning the surface you will be painting. On drywall, this may be a simple wipe down with warm water. On some exterior surfaces it may mean a mild pressure washing. After cleaning, you’ll also want to ensure that there is no flaking paint or damage to the painting surface. Be sure to sand wooden or drywall surfaces to remove imperfections, and patch any holes or nail pops. Taking these extra steps will ensure that your fresh paint will adhere to the surface and not flake off prematurely.

Not Priming

Perhaps the worst part of painting a Cincinnati home is the time involved. We love to skip any step that we feel isn’t absolutely necessary for the sake of saving a few minutes. Priming is often the first step to get skipped. While there are situations where priming isn’t absolutely necessary, putting down a coat of primer can be vital to completing a successful paint job. Unpainted drywall, walls with existing dark colors, MDF, and some wood finishes are all surfaces that will require sanding and the appropriate coat of primer before moving forward with top coats of paint.

Cheap Materials

Everyone wants to save a buck or two. Buying poor quality materials, however, can affect the quality of your paint job, and may end up costing more in the long run. Paint that covers poorly, rollers that leave a poor finish, or brushes that leave bristles behind are just a few of the ways that painting a Cincinnati home the cheap way could mean a redo later on.

Oil Based vs. Water Based

Many people have experienced the pain of trying to paint a surface only to find that the latex paint won’t stick or go on smoothly. This is often because the type of paint chosen is the wrong type. While oil-based paint has drawbacks like a strong odor and difficult clean up, there are times when it is absolutely necessary for a quality paint job. If you are painting over an existing oil-based paint, or a varnished wood surface, oil-based paint is a must. There are also times when oil-based paint can provide a superior finish and prove more durable. This is true of high traffic surfaces areas like handrails, cabinet doors, and baseboards.

Wrong Finish

It’s not uncommon for a novice painter to not know what paint finish to use in a particular part of their home. When you’re painting a Cincinnati home, here are some general guidelines for paint finishes:

Flat: Commonly used in ceiling paint. Flat paint is difficult to clean and has a matte look, so it likely isn’t the right choice for high-traffic areas.

Eggshell: This finish has a slight sheen to it, but is not highly reflective. It is easier to clean than flat or matte finishes, and is a great choice for living area walls, such as living rooms, hallways, or bedrooms.

Satin: You will often find a Satin finish in high-traffic or moisture sensitive areas, such as hallways, bathrooms, or kitchens. It is very easy to clean, but shows imperfections in the painted surface more than eggshell. This is the finish where you can begin to see the “sheen” or reflective quality of the paint.

Semi-Gloss: This is a very durable, easy to clean finish, but can be too reflective for rooms with a lot of light. This finish is sometimes found in bathrooms and kitchens, and can also be used on trim, baseboards, and crown molding.

High-Gloss: Virtually never used on walls, this durable finish is most commonly found on trim, cabinets, and doors.

Poor Cleanup

It may seem like an unimportant task, but it can save you a lot of headaches. Be sure to carefully move drop cloths or plastic to ensure that you don’t affect what you’ve just painted. If you used tape on any surfaces, be sure to remove the tape before the paint dries. Otherwise you may pull paint off with the tape. Wash your brushes, rollers, and containers to ensure they are ready for future use. Never pour oil-based paint down a drain. And finally, store your remaining paint in a dry location that remains room temperature. Extreme temperatures can ruin paint, which will cost you money down the road.

Common Painting Mistakes: Painting a Cincinnati Home

If your home is in need of exterior or interior painting, these tips will help you get the job done the right way the first time. Don’t have the time to paint your home yourself? No problem. Just call ProMaster Home Repair! Our “home repair heroes” would love to help your home have the fresh, new look that only a coat of paint can provide. Simply use the form at the bottom of this page, or call 513-322-2914 for more information.

]]>https://www.mastermylist.com/painting/common-painting-mistakes-painting-a-cincinnati-home/feed/0painting-cincinnati-home-painter-promaster-cincinnatiHow Much Insulation Do I Need In My Attic?https://www.mastermylist.com/energy-efficiency/how-much-insulation-do-i-need-in-my-attic/ https://www.mastermylist.com/energy-efficiency/how-much-insulation-do-i-need-in-my-attic/#respondWed, 19 Sep 2018 14:54:07 +0000https://www.mastermylist.com/?p=13198As we head towards the fall, people are beginning to think about whether their home is ready for winter. Because of this, we’ve written articles on home maintenance you should pursue each fall. One thing you can do anytime of year, however, is ensure that your home has the right about of attic insulation. This […]

]]>As we head towards the fall, people are beginning to think about whether their home is ready for winter. Because of this, we’ve written articles on home maintenance you should pursue each fall. One thing you can do anytime of year, however, is ensure that your home has the right about of attic insulation. This can help keep your home warm and your costs down during the winter, but it also will ensure your home stays cool in hotter months, as well. If you’ve ever asked yourself “how much insulation do I need in my attic,” keep reading. We’ll share some simple ways to check to make sure your home is buttoned up tight.

How much insulation do I need in my attic in Cincinnati?

How much attic insulation do you need in a home? Well, it depends on where the home is. It is recommended that homes in the south are insulated to an “R” rating of R38. Cincinnati homes, however, should have attics insulated to a level of R49 due to the colder climate. To find out what your attic’s current rating is, follow these steps:

Step 1: Take a Look

Take a peek into your attic. Do you see the joists rising above your fiberglass or blown-in cellulose insulation? If so, you probably need more.

Step 2: Measure

Using your tape measure, measure the height of your insulation from the bottom of the joist to the top of the insulation. You should have just over 16 inches of insulation in your attic (roughly R3 per inch).

Step 3: Add

Now that you know the answer to the question “How much insulation do I need in my attic,” it’s time to add more. If you have cellulose insulation that doesn’t approach the top of the joists, distribute more over the entirety of your attic. Do this until the cellulose reaches the top of the joists. If your cellulose already reaches the top of the joists, or you have fiberglass batt insulation, add an appropriate thickness of fiberglass batt on top of your existing insulation. Lay the insulation perpendicular to the joists or existing insulation. This will reduce the chances for air to leak through the insulation.

(Be sure to use gloves and wear a dust mask when installing insulation.)

Step 4: Be sure you don’t…

There are a couple of things you must not do when insulating an attic. First, be sure that there is no vapor barrier between layers of insulation. If the insulation you are adding has a paper vapor barrier, be sure to remove it before installing. This will prevent the trapping of moisture against the bottom layer of insulation. Secondly, never cover your soffit vents with insulation. Remember, air should be able to flow from outside the home through your attic. Covering these vents will prevent that.

How much insulation do I need in my attic?

So, how much do insulation do you have? Too little? Are your vents covered? It only takes a little bit of time to rectify those problems. Remember, if you’re not really interested in climbing into your sweltering/freezing attic this year, just call ProMaster. We’d love to help you get your home buttoned up so that it’s nice and warm this winter, and cool next summer. Simply contact us by phone at 513-322-2914, or use the “Reach Out” form below. Our multi-disciplined “Home Repair Heroes” can handle any home maintenance or repair needs you have!

]]>https://www.mastermylist.com/energy-efficiency/how-much-insulation-do-i-need-in-my-attic/feed/0how-much-insulation-should-i-have-in-my-attic-cincinnati-promasterFall Home Maintenance Checklist in Cincinnatihttps://www.mastermylist.com/home-maintenance/fall-home-maintenance-tasks/ https://www.mastermylist.com/home-maintenance/fall-home-maintenance-tasks/#respondTue, 11 Sep 2018 16:20:15 +0000https://www.mastermylist.com/?p=8612As the saying goes, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” That expression is never more true than in your home, and it’s especially true regarding fall home maintenance. Taking care of your home in the right ways now can save you a bunch of time and money later on. Here are […]

]]>As the saying goes, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” That expression is never more true than in your home, and it’s especially true regarding fall home maintenance. Taking care of your home in the right ways now can save you a bunch of time and money later on. Here are some of the most common issues that are often overlooked when it comes to fall home maintenance.

Gutters

Cincinnati gets hit with more than its fair share of heavy rains and thunderstorms. Clogged, leaking, incorrectly sloped, or improperly routed gutters are responsible for a range of problems. This includes wood rot, ice dams, and water intrusion in lower levels and basements. Cleaning your gutters is a vital part of fall home maintenance. Be sure to also check your downspouts for proper flow and drainage.

Sump Pump

Most folks in the Cincinnati area have a basement. More than likely, you’re going to need to pump ground water out from time to time to ensure your basement doesn’t turn into a swimming pool. That’s why it’s so important to have a battery backup sump pump. If you have a finished basement but no battery backup system installed, it’s only a matter of time before ground water does serious damage. The cost for these systems are often less than an insurance deductible and provide tremendous peace of mind. Checking your system in the fall will ensure that your home is ready for those snow-melts and rains at winter’s end.

Caulking

Failure to prevent water intrusion into wood trim, doors, windows and other gaps in your home will eventually lead to wood rot and other damage. One of the most overlooked areas to caulk is your door frame and threshold. Failure to do so can lead to moisture penetration into door trim, sills, and framing, causing expensive door frame repairs. Fall is a great time to ensure that your caulking is not worn or cracked. If it is, simply scrape away the old caulk and apply a new bead. This will protect your home well into the winter and beyond.

Weather Stripping

One of the most important parts of fall home maintenance is ensuring your doors and windows are air tight. Doors should have weather stripping applied on both sides and across the top of the door frame. You may also wish to install a door sweep or use a draft stopper.

Windows may need weather stripping along the bottom of the sash to prevent drafts. Other types of insulation, such as felt, may help fill other voids you find in your windows.

Roof Inspection

Most homeowners don’t pay any attention to their roof until it starts leaking. We recommend a fall roof inspection to find any minor repair needs. This could include damaged shingles, nail pops, and flashing around vent boots and chimneys. Interior damage is expensive, as is a new roof. Spending a few hundred dollars each year on maintenance will not only extend the life of the roof, but will prevent damage to other parts of the home.

Outdoor Faucets

One of the main causes of a winter basement leak is a failed hose bibb, or outdoor faucet. It takes more than just disconnecting your hose to protect your home. One of the fall home maintenance tasks you should complete before the first freeze is winterizing your exterior faucets. It’s an easy way to prevent a basement disaster from a frozen and burst pipe.

(FYI, our first 32° temperature in Cincinnati usually arrives in the third or fourth week of October, though it has occurred as early as September 27th!)

Insulation

Fall is a great time to check the depth of your attic insulation. Even if you once had the right amount, insulation can compact over time, leaving your home less insulated than it once was. Homes in our area should have an attic insulation rating of R49. That means you should have about 16 inches of cellulose or fiberglass insulation in your attic. The steps to add insulation to your attic are simple, and will save you a ton of money in the long run.

Fall Home Maintenance in Cincinnati

While the above isn’t a comprehensive fall home maintenance checklist, it’s a great head start. Remember, ProMaster Home Repair is a great choice for those who don’t have the time or inclination to perform their own home repair or maintenance. ProMaster staffs a skilled team of professionals who understand that attention to detail, artistry and precise craftsmanship are the keys to success in any home repair or home maintenance project.

Feel free to contact us by phone at 513-322-2914. Or simply use the “Reach Out” form below to inquire about how we can help with your fall home maintenance or other repair needs!